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Two cases of shigellosis, an intestinal infection caused by bacteria, were confirmed at Johnson Elementary School Thursday. Officials at the school have already begun taking steps to prevent more students from becoming sick.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, shigellosis can cause diarrhea — often bloody — fever and abdominal pains, but rarely requires hospitalization. It usually lasts five to seven days. Shigellosis is most commonly transmitted from hands to the mouth.
Some persons who are infected may have no symptoms at all, but may still pass the bacteria to others.
Johnson Elementary School's principal Casey Lewis said workers are cleaning the school thoroughly with Clorox and Lysol. School officials are also talking to all students about the importance of washing their hands with soap after going to the bathroom or playing outside and before eating in the cafeteria. Lewis said they have been showing a video to students, which explains proper hand washing techniques.
The school sent out notes to parents Thursday to explain shigellosis and encourage them to talk with their children about the importance of washing their hands carefully and frequently with soap.
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